Unknown treks in Asia: 10 unusual trails

Unknown treks in Asia: 10 unusual trails

From remote corners of Bhutan to the lofty heights of Nepal, we highlight some of the best unknown treks in Asia

When it comes to exploration, “too late for the seas, too early for the stars” might best describe our times today. Legendary explorers like Drake and Magellan long ago mapped the seas, while Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen and their ilk did the same for remote lands.

It feels like our planet has been completely surveyed and mapped; tamed, some might say. Even Everest – one of the most inhospitable places on earth – has queues on its slopes.

This is why I was so excited to take part in a hike to K2 Base Camp last year, including a traverse of the Gondogoro La Pass. Compared to my previous trip to Everest Base Camp, K2 felt far more distant.

It made me long for a taste of true solitude. I've spent a lot of lockdown planning and planning my next big hikes in the Karakoram and the Himalayas. Below, I share 10 largely unknown hikes in Asia that I've added to my bucket list.

Unknown migrations in Asia

The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Asia. It denotes a network of paths, but the true path itself traverses the Himalayas along the highest accessible passes. The first five treks below cover sections of the GHT that pass through Nepal. Subsequent trails follow routes through Bhutan, India and Pakistan.

Like any truly remote corner of the world, these regions have little infrastructure, so all of these unknown hikes in Asia are camping-style expeditions.

1. Kanchenjunga Base Camp to Makalu Base Camp

Location: Nepal Duration: 42 days Max. altitude: 5,160 m

Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third highest mountain in the world after Everest and K2. It is the easternmost of the 14 eight-thousanders and lies on the border between Nepal and India.

alt="Kangchenjunga seen from Pangpema in Nepal on one of the best unknown treks in Asia">Tomabarker/CC BY 3.0Kangchenjunga seen from Pangpema in Nepal

This challenging hike begins with the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route, which offers views of the mountain's vast north face. It crosses the high passes of Nango La (4,820 m) and Lumba Sumba (5,160 m) and winds through remote landscapes on the Nepal-Tibet border.

Expect hypnotic views of Kanchenjunga and Jannu to the east and Makalu to the west, as well as sweeping valleys, dramatic gorges and even dense forest areas.

It's worth noting that the GHT is not signposted or marked and the section from Kanchenjunga to Makalu has particularly tricky route finding, which is why it's important to visit with a specialist operator. The Mountain Company, founded by Everest summiteer Roland Hunter, has experience in the region.

Further information: Kanchenjunga Base Camp to Makalu Base Camp

2. Makalu to Everest

Location: Nepal Duration: 28 days Maximum altitude: 6,143 m

From Makalu to Everest follows section 2 of the GHT and is the most difficult section in Nepal. To take part in this hike, you will need experience in high altitude trekking and some mountaineering skills, as you will climb over high passes on fixed ropes and travel in group ropes on glaciers. There are also some hikes on loose moraine that follow an indistinct path.

alt="Mount Makalu can be seen on one of the best unknown hikes in Asia">Daniel Prudek/ShutterstockMakalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world

Other than that, the challenges are commensurate with the rewards. The route crosses three passes – Sherpani, West Col and Amphu Laptsa – and offers exceptional views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and Chamlang. When it comes to unknown treks in Asia, this is one of the most beautiful.

Find out more: Makalu to Everest

3. Naar to Upper Mustang

Location: Nepal Duration: 24 days Maximum altitude: 5,595 m

The Naar to Upper Mustang Trek splits from the Annapurna Circuit at Chame/Koto and follows a much quieter path to the remote valleys of Naar and Phu, where trekkers can get a glimpse of the timeless Tibetan culture.

The trail continues up the Lapse Khola River, then over the Teri La Pass at an altitude of 5,595 m. The descent here is steep and anyone joining must be confident of walking on loose, rocky terrain without a defined path.

alt="Upper Mustang in Nepal">Catalin Eremia/ShutterstockUpper Mustang in Nepal

The route soon enters the Upper Mustang, an arid landscape of colorful rock formations, serpentine ridges, and cave dwellings carved into dramatic cliffs.

Although the route is challenging, it offers spectacular views of the Annapurnas, Chulus, Himlung and Kang Guru. If the weather is clear, you can even see Mount Manaslu at 8,156 m.

Further information: From Naar to Upper Mustang

4. Upper Dolpo to Jomsom

Location: Nepal Duration: 30 days Maximum altitude: 5,515 m

The Upper Dolpo Trek winds through a remote region of mid-western Nepal and leads to the remote Dolpo villages of Shimen, Tinje and Chharka. The region is home to a number of Bönpo (pre-Buddhist) monasteries, including Shey Gompa, considered the spiritual heart of the upper Dolpo area.

alt="The Valley of the Kali Gandaki River in Nepal">Efimova Anna/ShutterstockThe valley of the Kali Gandaki river in Nepal

The trek crosses a series of high passes to Lower Mustang in the Kali Gandaki Valley and ends at the town of Jomsom on the Annapurna Circuit.

Trekkers must negotiate narrow cliff paths and scree slopes with switchbacks, but are rewarded with exceptional views of Lake Phoksundo and the Kanjiroba Himalaya at 6,612 m, as well as a rich variety of wildlife including blue sheep, musk deer and Himalayan fox. Snow leopard sightings are rare but not unheard of.

Further information: Upper Dolpo to Jomsom

5. Wide Western Nepal & Limi Valley

Location: Nepal Duration: 29 days Maximum altitude: 4,380 m

If you're really feeling groundbreaking, then opt for the Far West Nepal & Limi Valley Trek, which covers the final section of the GHT through western Nepal to the border with Tibet.

alt="Rara Lake in Nepal">Shree Krishna Photo/ShutterstockRara Lake in Nepal

The route is currently being studied by The Mountain Company and is expected to be completed in April 2021.

Commercial operators rarely venture this far, allowing hikers to enjoy truly unique views of the magnificent Himalayas.

Find out more: Far West Nepal & Limi Valley

6. Lunana Snowman

Location: Bhutan Duration: 34 days Maximum altitude: 5,250 m

The Lunana Snowman in Bhutan, also known as the Snowman Trek, is considered one of the toughest treks in the world. Given that she crosses eight passes over 4,000m and three over 5,000m over the course of 28 days, it's easy to see why.

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The mountain company

Scenes from the Lunana snowman hike in Bhutan

Trekkers have the opportunity to visit the iconic Taktsang Monastery (known as Tiger's Nest) before embarking on the trek in earnest. The spectacular scenery includes views of the 7,000m high peaks of Chomolhari and Gangkar Punsum and the slightly smaller Jitchu Drake, as well as sparkling lakes and traditional Bhutanese villages.

Would-be explorers will be encouraged to learn that there are several peaks along the Bhutan-Tibet border that are still unnamed and unmapped. If you're looking for seclusion, there are few better options than trekking in Bhutan.

Learn more: Lunana Snowman

7. Dagana & Lawagu Pass

Location: Bhutan Duration: 13 days Maximum altitude: 4,427 m

The Dagana and Lawagu Pass Trek explores the hidden valley of Dagana in southern Bhutan and is offered as a shorter alternative to the Lunana Snowman above.

As with the Snowman, hikers have the opportunity to visit the Taktsang Monastery before embarking on the trail itself.

alt="taktsang monastery in bhutan is one of the best unknown treks in asia">S_jakkarin/ShutterstockTaktsang Monastery in Bhutan

The route crosses the Lari Gang (4,267 m) and Lawagu (4,427 m) passes with views of Kangchenjunga, Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake.

Along the way, hikers pass through deep forests, open hills, traditional villages and 300-year-old monasteries, including the impressive Dagana Dzong.

Find out more: Dagana & Lawagu Pass

8. Pilgrims from the Haa Valley

Location: Bhutan Duration: 12 days Maximum altitude: 4,189 m

The Haa Valley in Bhutan remains one of the least visited areas in the country. The Haa Valley Pilgrims Trek follows a path used by Buddhist pilgrims to the sacred lake at Nub Tshona Patta. The route crosses several high passes and offers spectacular views of Chomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Kanchenjunga.

alt="Himalayan Monal Pheasants could be spotted on one of the best unknown migrations in Asia">Kamal Hari Menon/ShutterstockThe Himalayan Monal can be seen on one of the best unknown treks in Asia

Trekkers visit Taktsang Monastery as well as Lhakhang Karpo (Black Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (White Temple), two of the 108 monasteries reportedly built in one day by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.

Expect pristine alpine forests, flowering meadows and an array of wildlife including blue sheep, herds of yaks and the colorful Himalayan Monal pheasant.

Further information: Pilgrims in the Haa Valley

9. Ladakh Sky Trail GHT

Location: IndiaDuration: 27 daysMaximum altitude: 5,380 m

The Ladakh Sky Trail GHT is a unique route through a remote region of northern India. Over the course of three weeks, trekkers will travel through Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang, crossing six mountain passes above 5,000m.

alt="The Ladakh Sky Trail GHT is one of the best treks in Asia">Alma KhanViews on the Ladakh Sky Trail GHT

The route follows ancient footpaths from Lamayuru Monastery into the Zanskar Valley to the blue lake Tso Moriri on the Changthang Plateau at 4,500 m.

Along the way, hikers take a break at Tsharlow, where rock layers are embedded like waves in the slopes, formed by thousands of years of geological processes. The area is also an important nature reserve, home to snow leopards, wolves, blue sheep, marmots and various species of birds, including the black-necked crane.

Further information: Ladakh Sky Trail GHT

10. Schneesee & Hispar La

Location: Pakistan Duration: 22 days Maximum altitude: 5,151 m

Pakistan's Snow Lake is a 16 km wide, high altitude glacial basin located at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. The glaciers meet at Hispar La (5,151 m) and connect two ancient mountain kingdoms: Hunza in the west and Baltistan in the east.

alt="Snow lake in the Karakoram, Pakistan">Vasiq Eqbal/ShutterstockSnow Lake & Hispar La is one of the best unknown treks in Asia

Trekkers will navigate a network of crevasses en route to Hispar La beneath the towering 7,000m peaks of the Karakoram, including Kanjut Sar, Distaghil Sar and Baintha Brakk/The Ogre (7,285m), first climbed in 1977 by Doug Scott and Chris Bonington. The story of her dramatic decline is well worth reading.

This remote region serves as a stronghold for a number of animals, including the Himalayan bear, ibex, markhor and the elusive snow leopard. In fact, the area is so remote that mountaineer Eric Shipton called it “the last blank hole on the map.”

I dare say it's the perfect hike for explorers born too late for the seas and a little too early for the stars.

Learn more: Snow Lake & Hispar La

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On July 13, 1977, after becoming the first climbers to reach the summit of Ogre, Doug Scott and Chris Bonington began their long descent. In the minutes that followed, their performance was overwhelmed by a desperate fight for survival. The Ogre: Biography of a Mountain and the Dramatic Story of the First Ascent tells her story.

Cover photo: The Mountain Company

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